Meet our team
Tom Cooper
President & Founder
Tom has served as the President of City in Focus for over thirty years. He has spear-headed this chaplaincy by caring for the soul of the city though the dynamic connections with the business, political, and faith communities of Vancouver. Tom is a Minister of Religion ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Canada. Reach Tom: tom@cityinfocus.ca
Lisa Marquis
Director, Operations and Administration
Lisa has been working with City in Focus since early 2023. She oversees the ins and outs of accounts, social media, and website. She lives in Burnaby with her husband and family. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Care with a minor in Philosophy and Communications. She serves as a Spiritual Guide, adult faith coordinator, choir leader and a dedicated homeschooling mom. Email Lisa.
Grace Abas
Events Manager
Grace started working with City in Focus in 2024. She manages all major events such as the BC Leadership Prayer Breakfast and the Jesuit Charity Reception. She has a passion and heart for all things beautiful, seen through hobbies like flower arranging and service to God and others through her faith. Grace lives in Surrey with her husband, Bryan, and their daughter, Gemma. Email Grace.
Valeria Vergani
Board Member, Chair
Valeria has been involved with City in Focus since 2016, and has served in a variety of roles as staff as well as board member. She is currently completing her PhD in Religious Studies at Stanford University.
Chris Chiu
Director of Retreats & Spiritual Direction
Chris’s passion is to help individuals and communities in the Vancouver area nurture contemplative experiences with Jesus Christ, leading to inner freedom and loving service. He lives out this mission by offering people opportunities to experience meditation, contemplation, spiritual direction, Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, and retreats. Chris is a spiritual director with the SoulStream Community and the Program Coordinator of Jesuit Spirituality Apostolate of Vancouver. He is married with 3 children and has an MA in Theological Studies from Regent College. You can email him at: chris@cityinfocus.ca.